Joseph M. “Joe” Kilps, 100, of Washington, went to Heaven peacefully with loved ones at his side on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 17, 1922, in Daviess County, to Mathias J. and Theresa (Kidwell) Kilps. Joe married the love of his life, Wilma Ruth (Lynch) on July 15, 1945, and they enjoyed sixty-two years together until her passing in 2008.
Joe was a 1942 graduate of Washington High School and went on to continue his education at the University of New Hampshire during his service in the United States Army. He was a World War II Veteran who served in the US Army 3103rd Signal Battalion in Operation Overlord, Battle of the Bulge. He achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant and earned four Bronze Stars, one for each combat area where he served. He was a radioman and his outfit was later known as part of the “Ghost Army” that transmitted bogus radio messages to confuse the Germans as to the location of the Normandy D-Day landings in June 1944.
Joe worked at US Rubber in Washington for thirty-four years. At the closing of the Washington plant, he was transferred to the company headquarters in Connecticut for two and a half years. The company then sold to Tingley Rubber in New Jersey, where he worked for five years before his retirement and return to Washington in 1987.
Joe was a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He loved volunteering at the Daviess Community Hospital and the Daviess County Historical Society and Museum where he was known and respected by many.
He was honored to be chosen for the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana in May 2015. In October 2017, he was chosen as one of Daviess County’s Men of Distinction. On September 17, 2022, on his 100th birthday, he was presented with the Circle of Corydon Award from Governor Eric Holcomb and presented by Senator Eric Bassler.
Family left to cherish the many memories of Joe include: two sons: James J. (Vicki) Kilps and Jerry E. (Renee) Kilps both of Liberty Township, Ohio; two daughters: Jo Ann (Terry) Blake of Carmel and Janet (Mike) Chestnut of Washington, two sisters: Ruth Bradley and Vera McLemore; and sister-in-law, Lorene Kilps all of Washington; thirteen grandchildren: Nick (Katie) Blake; Chris (Brietta) Blake; Amanda (Tyler) Dougherty; Kyle (Lindsay) May; Kaycie (Tyler) Huffman; Kory May; Thomas (Hannah) Kilps; Tyler (Emily) Kilps; Luke Kilps; Hannah Kilps; Noah Kilps; Bethany (Ryan) Kay; and Taylore (Joey) Fitzsimmons; sixteen great-grandchildren: McKenna Blake; Dylan Blake; Drew Blake; Cole Blake; Jase Blake; Clayton Dougherty; Harrison Dougherty; Jace Kilps; Liam Kilps; Josephine Huffman; Norah Huffman; Bailey Kay; Camden Kay; Mara Kay; Simon Fitzsimmons; and Frankie Fitzsimmons. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma Kilps; brother, Dale Kilps,; and sisters, Doris Strange and Rita Burns; mother- and father-in-law, Roy M. and Edith (Ellis) Lynch; sisters-in-law; Doris Allen, Rosemary McPherson, Dorothy Masten; and brothers-in-law, Ellis Lynch and Melvin Lynch.
Joe had a full life of service, with kindness and respect to all. He would tell you that his greatest accomplishment in life was his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to: Washington Catholic Education Endowment, PO Box 916, Washington, Indiana 47501; or Daviess County Historical Society and Museum at 212 East Main Street, Washington, Indiana 47501; or Daviess Community Hospital Auxiliary at PO Box 173, Plainville, Indiana 47568.
Visitation for Joseph M. Kilps will be 4:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 315 NE 3rd Street in Washington. The Knights of Columbus will pray the Rosary at 7:15 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Joseph M. Kilps at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 17, 2023, also at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Father Paul Ferguson will be the celebrant. [NOTE: This Mass will be livestreamed from the
church. It will be available on Facebook on the Catholic Community of Washington page.]
Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery. The Washington American Legion and VFW will accord military honors at the gravesite.
Condolences may be left online at www.edleemortuary.com.
The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements for Joseph M. Kilps.
